Greater Dandenong Council News June 2021

JUNE 2021

Greater Dandenong Council News

Something for everyone at Drum PAGE 12

Community safety a priority

Advocacy for refugees

Protecting our environment

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► PAGE 7

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Council News

Customer Service Centres Dandenong Civic Centre 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Springvale Community Hub 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale Keysborough Customer Service Shop A7 Parkmore Shopping Centre, Keysborough All correspondence to: Greater Dandenong Council News PO Box 200 Dandenong VIC 3175 Email: news@cgd.vic.gov.au Phone: 8571 1000 Fax: 8571 5196 www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au @greaterdandy facebook.com/greaterdandenong cityofgreaterdandenong

Mayor ’s message Welcome to the June edition of Council News.

While winter settles in, here at Council we are always encouraging residents to be more active. While there’s something about a sunny day that motivates us to get outside, remember that moving is the fastest way to get warm on a cold winter’s day. Read page 6 for tips on how you can Make Your Move this winter.

Council hosted a celebratory BBQ for our Working for Victoria employees to celebrate their achievements under this State Government funded program. Read more on page 6 about what this program means for Greater Dandenong.

This month we celebrate Refugee Week. The City of Greater Dandenong is a proud refugee Welcome Zone, and we have a long history of supporting people from all backgrounds. Read more about our support of refugee advocacy on page 7.

If you’re looking to declutter your home and have items that cannot be placed in household bins or a hard waste collection, Council has a range of services available.

Residents can now recycle their household batteries, mobile phones, CDs, DVDs and light globes. Recycling stations can be found at each of our Customer Service Centres. Find out how to recycle unwanted goods and read more about detoxing your home of dangerous chemicals on page 8.

If you enjoy arts, turn to page 12 to read about the latest offering at Drum Theatre or page 15 for the return of the Emerging Writer’s Festival.

Whatever you get up to this month, I hope you enjoy life in our wonderful community.

youtube.com/citygreaterdandenong TTY: 133 677 Speak and listen: 1300 555 727 relayservice.gov.au TIS: 131 450 council@cgd.vic.gov.au

Important Numbers

Mayor Cr Angela Long

My City

Emergency calls Police / Fire / Ambulance................................... 000 Street lighting faults / non-operational United Energy............................................13 20 99 Traffic signal faults / non-operational................................... 8571 1000 Hoon Hotline................................. 1800 333 000 Hard Waste Collection WM Waste Management Services.................................................... 9721 1915 Australian Animal Protection Society.............................. 9798 8415

Winter is a great time to explore the parks and gardens around Greater Dandenong.

Braving the cooler weather can give you the opportunity to see some beautiful plants and seasonal wildflowers, as well as appreciate the native habitats of wildlife and birdlife. Greater Dandenong is home to wetlands, bushlands and recreational reserves that give every resident the chance to get out in nature.

RSPCA....................................................... 9224 2222 Nurse on Call................................ 1300 606 024 Front Cover: Numan Seyit, L-R Nurali Seyit, KC, Isaiah Firebrace. Picture: Hilton Stone.

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Council News

Community Safety a Priority Greater Dandenong City Council is committed to creating a safe and inclusive Greater Dandenong.

Council’s Greater Dandenong Community Safety Plan 2015–22 was developed through community engagement and consultation.

Mayor Angela Long recently presented the achievements to Victoria Police and highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to improving community safety.

“Everyone deserves to feel and be safe in the City of Greater Dandenong.

It doesn’t matter your age, gender, cultural background, profession – every person has the right to live in a safe place.”

Declutter Your Home Council has a range of services and events to assist and support residents to reuse, recycle and dispose of common household items.

Households in Greater Dandenong are provided with a number of options to dispose of their waste, including red lid garbage, yellow lid recycling and green lid food and garden waste bins. We also provide a free annual hard waste collection service.

Recycling stations are also available at each of our Customer Service Centres, allowing residents to safely dispose of smaller problem waste items, such as batteries, mobile phones, CDs, DVDs and light globes.

“Council has a long-term and strong partnership with Victoria Police and takes a strategic approach to addressing community safety issues with members of the Community Safety Advisory Committee, other local and regional stakeholders, and the wider community,” Cr Long said.

“Completion of key upgrades to Dandenong Park were partly funded through a State Government public safety infrastructure grant and resulted in improved lighting, pathways and landscaping along Lonsdale Street.

A survey has since revealed an increase in positive perceptions about safety in the park,” Cr Long said.

Russell Barrett, Assistant Commissioner, Victoria Police – Southern Metro Region with Mayor Angela Long

Dandenong has already been approved funding for implementation.

A new State Government grant has been applied for that would see Council undertake extensive planning to improve safety in the Hemmings Street Precinct in Dandenong West through implementing a Precinct Action Plan. Major security upgrades to the Walker Street Carpark and a project to install CCTV in Boyd Lane in central

Cr Long said the community’s input, feedback and commitment to working together to improve safety was vital to making these projects a reality.

Reuse and Recycle Drop Off Day Saturday 26 June 2021 8am to 1pm Greaves Reserve Dandenong

Wednesday 9 June Declutter your home Webinar 6.30pm–7.30pm

This is a great opportunity to clear some space around the house, reduce landfill and give items a new life. Good quality reusable items will be donated to charities, whilst other items will be recycled to create new products.

This FREE event is in addition to your one free annual hard waste collection. By recycling and recovering our waste, we can reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfill.

Thursday 17 June Council Waste Services Webinar 7pm–8pm

WEBINARS AND WORKSHOPS Council is also running webinars and face to face workshops covering a range of reuse and recycling topics for residents. Please visit Council’s website to register.

“We are grateful for the support of everyone involved, as it is a collective responsibility to ensure we increase community safety.”

Saturday 26 June Reuse and Recycle Drop Off Day Greaves Reserve 8am–1pm For further information on what to do with items not accepted in household bins and hard waste collections, and a list of local transfer stations and recycling centres, visit Council’s website greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au and search ‘waste’.

Monday 7 June Recycle Right Springvale Library 10am–11am

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

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Council News

Councillor Contacts THU RSDAY

TUESDAY

MONDAY

Cleeland Ward – Mayor Cr Angela Long JU NE Ph/Fax: 9795 6574 0466 004 616 angela.long@cgd.vic.gov.au NOVEMBER

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Dandenong North Ward Cr Bob Milkovic 0435 237 051 bob.milkovic@cgd.vic.gov.au

Dandenong Ward Cr Jim Memeti 0434 560 239 jim.memeti@cgd.vic.gov.au

JUNE

JUNE

Council Meetings Council meetings are usually held on the second and the fourth Monday of the month at 7pm.

All Council meetings are held at the city chambers at the Dandenong Civic Centre, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong.

The June meetings will be held:

Keysborough South Ward Cr Rhonda Garad 0435 107 584 rhonda.garad@cgd.vic.gov.au

Tuesday 15 June (due to a public holiday on the Monday) Monday 28 June

Subject to COVID-19 TH URSDAY restrictions the general public is welcome to attend meetings JU N E and can now ask their questions in NOVEMBER person during Public Question Time, but did you know you can watch Council meetings live via our webcast service?

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You can keep up with all the latest decisions, hear questions from residents and find out the many ways your local councillors are serving the community.

To view meetings online or to find out more about Public Question Time simply go to greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ council-meetings

Keysborough Ward Cr Tim Dark 0466 403 914 tim.dark@cgd.vic.gov.au

Noble Park North Ward Cr Lana Formoso 0435 530 536 lana.formoso@cgd.vic.gov.au

Noble Park Ward – Deputy Mayor Cr Sophie Tan 0466 793 727 sophie.tan@cgd.vic.gov.au

Springvale Central Ward Cr Richard Lim 0435 627 164 richard.lim@cgd.vic.gov.au

Springvale North Ward Cr Sean O’Reilly 0422 523 258 sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au

Springvale South Ward Cr Loi Truong 0466 004 618 loi.truong@cgd.vic.gov.au

Yarraman Ward Cr Eden Foster 0435 202 645 eden.foster@cgd.vic.gov.au

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

L–R: Cr Jim Memeti, Mayor Angela Long and Cr Bob Milkovic

Dandenong Oasis development The development of the new Dandenong Oasis, or ‘Dandenong Wellbeing Centre’ (current working title) is one step closer following the appointment of a design team led

by CO-OP Studio.

Council resolved in September 2019 to develop a new aquatic and wellbeing centre at Mills Reserve to replace the existing Dandenong Oasis.

This major infrastructure project is a key recommendation from Council’s Aquatic Strategy, which is based on the vision to get “more people, more active, more often”.

The new aquatic centre will be a multipurpose facility with a focus on allied health, passive activity, education, fitness and wellness.

Proposed features of the facility include a 50m, 8 lane pool (with moveable boom or swim wall), two warm water pools, learn to swim pool, leisure pool / water play, spa, sauna and steam room, gymnasium, program / group fitness rooms, meeting rooms, allied health suites, café, creche and amenities.

Council News

Cr Sean O’Reilly 90 Gove Street pocket park I believe that due to shrinking backyards, we need local open spaces for recreation and to connect with nature. Council is creating new pocket parks in areas that need them most.

The new pocket park at Gove Street is a great example. The pocket park is designed to be a sensory moment of respite. The works included a new gravel path with a picnic table and park seating, explorative log stepper garden with sensory planting and new fencing.

Springvale Community Hub The Springvale Community Hub is rapidly evolving as the community and civic heart of Springvale.

Even with COVID restrictions, the Hub has had 60,000 visitors. A special committee of community members has been formed to make sure that the Hub is fully engaged with the local community.

► Springvale North Ward

During May, the Hub also hosted Reconciliation Week celebrations, all contributing to a great first few months of operations and activations for the Hub. Sandown Racecourse redevelopment The owners of Sandown Racecourse, the Melbourne Racing Club, have long term development plans to replace Sandown Racecourse. Council is in discussions with Melbourne Racing Club as to what form this redevelopment will be.

As the local ward councillor, I will ensure that you are informed and can comment on the development plans.

A report with an initial draft plan will be taken for public consultation, and I welcome your feedback on this.

If you want to contact me you can reach me at sean.oreilly@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone me on 0422 523 258

Cr Tim Dark

► Keysborough Ward Council’s proposed budget was released for community feedback last month. It is pleasing that the budget has been developed with an aim to continue Council’s commitment to invest in local services and infrastructure in a financially responsible way, by balancing the needs of our community while achieving long-term financial sustainability and most importantly to recover and revive in a post COVID-19 environment.

There is some significant funding for projects that will benefit the Keysborough Ward in the 2021–22 proposed budget.

This includes, but not limited to Frederick Wachter Reserve, continuation of the new wetlands project which will include construction of a boardwalk and later planting worth $1.3 million.

There is also a proposal in the draft budget for next year that will include the development of a district level

playground to complement the wetlands totalling $450,000.

Also proposed in next year’s budget are works at Alan Corrigan Reserve upgrades including fencing, BBQ, drink fountain, walking path and tree planting and Roth Hetherington Reserve including installation of shade sails and benches at the Dog off Leash Park.

There is also a significant investment into local kinders with Chandler Kindergarten, Darren Reserve, and the new Kindergarten to be co-located at the Keysborough Primary School receiving funding for upgrades.

If you would like to talk to me about any Council matters you can reach me at tim.dark@cgd.vic.gov.au or phone on 0466 403 914

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

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THE CITY Council News

Working for You

Making Your Move in Winter

As the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter, sometimes we might lack motivation to get active outside.

Moving is the fastest way to warm up and boost your mood on a cold winter’s day.

Here are some tips on how you can Make Your Move this winter. ► If

it’s too cold and dark to walk before or after work, head out for a lunchtime walk instead.

► Move

your outdoor workouts indoors.

Head to the gym or consider a homebased exercise program.

► Don’t

let the wet weather be an excuse not to move. Try working out in

Working for Victoria Program

front of the big screen instead. There are plenty of online exercise videos to choose from. ► Take

advantage of the cooler days and make the most of your weekends by heading out for a long bushwalk, hike or bike ride – activities which are less appealing in the hot summer sun.

► If

you enjoy the water, check out your local Leisure Centre to do a few laps or join a class.

One of the many benefits of regular exercise is boosting your immune system. People who exercise regularly are less likely to get a cold and if they do, they recover faster. These are all good reasons to Make Your Move.

► Provided

confidence in the community as we maintained a level of public hygiene in main public spaces

► Enabled

Council to conduct data gathering and auditing activities

► Provided

leadership opportunities for full-time operational staff members

Parks and conservation crews finished their six-month contracts in May.

Celebratory BBQ event held in April

A celebratory BBQ was recently held by Council to acknowledge the work of our Working for Victoria program employees. The event recognised our achievements under the State Government funded program, which provided an avenue of employment for those who had suffered job loss through COVID-19 or long-term unemployment.

Council’s first Working for Victoria employee commenced 1 October 2020 and 102 people have been employed since. Our partnership with Citywide also included the employment of 21 people undertaking a variety of roles as a part of our COVID Safe Plan.

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

These activities included: ► OD/HR

management

► Cleansing

high touch points through the main central business areas

► Planting

and weeding works throughout bushland and parks areas

► Data

gathering of council assets and businesses

► Bin

auditing throughout the city.

The program has provided the following benefits for Greater Dandenong: ► Enabled

the acceleration of some work programs (e.g. tree planting and weeding)

Projects included beautification of pocket parks with new garden beds, tree planting and improvements at Janelaine Reserve Springvale, Cleal Reserve Noble Park and Parkland Reserve Keysborough. Fuel reduction and revistalisation works have also been progressed at a range of parks and open spaces across Greater Dandenong.

The Conservation teams also finished up last month and projects currently underway include fuel reduction at Coomoora Woodlands, Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Falkiner Reserve, National Drive and Billabong revitalisation works at Fotheringham Reserve.

The Working for Victoria six-month temporary contracts are coming to an end. Greater Dandenong City Council is proud to have played a part in boosting employment opportunities by helping many Victorians get back to work and thank staff for their contribution and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

Community Calendar

Council News

Immunisation in Greater Dandenong Immunisation/vaccination is a free service provided by the Greater Dandenong City Council to protect the health and wellbeing of your children. Immunisation not only protects your child from serious diseases, but also other children in the community.

Council runs a number of public immunisation sessions every month at a range of local community centres.

If your child has had vaccines overseas, please contact Council or the immunisation advice and ‘catch up’ service before attending a session.

Advocacy remains an important part of Refugee Week ‘Unity’ is the theme for this year’s Refugee Week (20–26 June), and nowhere else was this sentiment more evident than at the Palm Sunday – Justice for Refugees Rally, which took place earlier this year.

BACK YOUR NEIGHBOUR

Thousands of individuals, families, and organisations united to show their support and solidarity to those refugees and people seeking asylum who have and continue to be mistreated by our nation’s immigration policies.

Mayor Cr Angela Long and councillors Eden Foster, Lana Formoso and Rhonda Garad stood united under the Back Your Neighbour banner, calling for a humane and empathetic approach to be adopted by the Federal Government in its treatment of refugees and people seeking asylum.

Commencing at the steps of the State Library of Victoria, the rally concluded outside the Carlton Park Hotel. The hotel-turned-makeshift-detention-centre was still detaining up to 13 refugees on the day of the rally, many of which could be seen through the darkly tinted fourth-level windows.

Amongst the many passionate participants rallying outside the detention centre, was Greater Dandenong City Council, proudly representing the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum.

Back Your Neighbour continues its efforts to promote unity, by advocating for greater rights for refugees and people seeking asylum.

To show your support, sign the Back Your Neighbour petition by visiting backyourneighbour.com.au

All documentation related to your child’s previous vaccinations must be provided in English with your Medicare card and child health record (if available) either electronically or via Council Customer Service.

This service also caters for parents who have concerns about any vaccination issues.

There are several vaccinations recommended for secondary school students according to the National Immunisation Program, and these are given at school,

by Council’s qualified nurse immunisers.

Your child’s school will send home consent cards at the beginning of each year, which need to be filled in and returned back to the school as soon as possible.

If your child misses a dose at school, please contact the immunisation team for more information.

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

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Council News

Protecting our environment

The City of Greater Dandenong includes 600 hectares of open space and more than 100 parks, playgrounds and sports reserves.

These areas are available for everyone to enjoy, and are home to many different plants, animals and microorganisms.

Our environment is precious. Our vision is for the City of Greater Dandenong to be one of the most sustainable cities in Australia by 2030.

We’re working together with our local community to achieve this and create a cleaner, greener Greater Dandenong – today and for generations to come.

The big picture Council has declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency and is actively working towards emergency action on climate change.

Climate change is here, and its impacts are already affecting our environment, our society and our economy. Global efforts to tackle climate change are increasing, but there are many ways we can all make a difference. With climate change already impacting our day to day lives, we need stronger action, urgently.

Council has developed a Climate Change Emergency Strategy and Action Plan 2020–30 to help the City of Greater Dandenong become a resilient, net zero carbon emission city with an active community prepared for the challenges of a changing climate.

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

Keeping our city clean Council’s parks, sustainability and waste teams all have a major role to play in keeping our environment clean, litter free, healthy and enjoyable for everyone to use.

We have a range of measures in place to ensure our environment is clean and free from litter, but we can’t do it on our own.

Residents are urged to use bins provided in public places, and to report any issues with discarded waste.

Any items left on a footpath, nature strip or in front of charity stores are classed as illegal dumping unless approved by Council and can result in fines in excess of $6000 for those caught dumping rubbish illegally.

Council has developed a range of initiatives to prevent and manage illegal dumping, including our Hotspots program, which focuses on sites with reoccurring illegal dumping. Illegally dumped items are investigated, and offenders can be prosecuted under the Environment Protection Act 1970.

Anyone can report illegal dumping via our website, the Snap Send Solve app or by calling or visiting one of our Customer Service Centres. If you see dumped rubbish or someone dumping unwanted items within Greater Dandenong, it is important to provide as much information as possible, including describing items that have been dumped, the location, date and time, and, if possible, vehicle registration and description.

Five R’s Council manages household waste collection services and has a range of options available.

We also encourage residents to consider the five R’s when disposing of unwanted items: ► Refuse – Consider not buying an item that you know might become waste – do you really need it? ► Reduce – Can you reduce how much waste you generate? For example, can you bulk buy to avoid creating extra packaging waste? ► Reuse – is the item really waste, or can you use it again? Can someone else make use of the item? ► Repurpose – Can the item be used for something else and so extend its useful life? ► Recycle – Make sure you check what can and cannot go in your yellow bin.

Explore other places to have things recycled. For example, take your plastic bags to your local supermarket recycling collect (they don’t belong in your yellow bin).

Residents can also book a free hard waste collection, attend one of our free Reuse and Recycle drop off days, participate in the Homecycle event or visit one of our neighbouring Council’s waste transfer stations.

Working towards a sustainable future Council has a wide range of initiatives to enhance and protect our environment, now and into the future.

Our parks, waste and sustainability teams provide a range of educational opportunities for members of the community and have extensive resources available on our website.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping our environment clean and sustainable.

Visit our website for more information at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

Community Calendar

Council News

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Victorian Youth Week Saturday 26 June – Friday 2 July 2021 Victorian Youth Week is an annual event to recognise the contribution young people make to our community.

Greater Dandenong is home to more than 31,000 young people aged 12–25 years.

Youth and Family Services are encouraging young people to get involved in their local community by joining in activities during Victorian Youth Week.

Basketball and Volleyball Tournament Friday 2 July, 10am–4pm

join in the activities

Venue: Dandenong Stadium, 270 Stud Road Dandenong Calling basketball and volleyball players aged 12–25 years. Join in the 3v3 basketball or 4v4 volleyball tournament.

Four divisions available in each tournament: under 16 male, under 16 female, under 25 male and under 25 female. Choose your sport, choose your division, choose your team mates and register to compete.

IMPACT Youth Volunteering Program Youth and Family Services, in partnership with Dandenong CoCo’s Shop, are providing young people (aged 18–25 years) with the opportunity to gain ‘hands on’ volunteering experience.

Young people will gain an insight into volunteering within community services, including retail experience in the CoCo’s Op Shop, and trying their hand at

upcycling and recycling used goods.

This program will be delivered during the June school holidays.

School Holiday Activities Open to young people aged 12–25 years, our holiday activities are jam-packed with low cost or free fun activities to bust school holiday boredom. Bookings are essential.

View the full calendar of activities on our website.

Holiday Activities Committee The Holiday Activities Committee is an introductory leadership program that provides an opportunity for young people to help plan the holiday activities and participate as Peer Leaders.

The program runs during each school term and is open to young people aged 12–16 years. Sign up now for Term 3.

FReeZA Committee

For more information about Youth Week activities and events, visit youth. greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au or contact Youth and Family Services on 9793 2155.

Young people in the FReeZA Committee help to plan and deliver youth and community events showcasing local young people’s talents. We are always on the lookout for new committee members or performers.

Coming soon

The FReeZA Committee meets during the school term and is open to young people aged 12–25 years.

Youth and Family Services offer a range of programs and activities throughout the year. Don’t miss these other opportunities to build new skills or get involved in issues that matter to you.

Change Makers Change Makers provides young people with an opportunity to address racism and discrimination in the community through developing and delivering a community campaign.

Young Women’s Leadership Program This new program provides an opportunity for young women to build their leadership and advocacy skills through working on a project to help bust gender stereotypes in the workforce.

Starting in Term 3, this group is open to young women aged 18–25 years.

Starting in June 2021, this program is open to young people aged 16–25 years.

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

10 Council News

Community Vision and Council Plan Consultation Process Council commenced its planning for the development of a new Community Vision and Council Plan in June 2020. This project includes a number of key stages which provide an opportunity for our community to share with us their aspirations and priorities for our future.

Stage 1 was delivered from September 2020 until February 2021 and provided the broader community with various activities to engage with. The participation across all the activities was great to see and Council was happy to be able to provide face to face opportunities with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Online Survey ► 107 surveys completed

1 Targeted Conversation ► 9 participants ► 60 comments received

Ideas Wall ► 43 ideas contributed

Social Pinpoint Page ► 1889 total visits ► 521 unique users ► 44 comments received

Children’s Activity ► 78 worksheets received

7 Community pop-ups ► 250+ participants ► 1006 unique comments received

1 Community Conversations Workbook ► 1 community group ► 4 comments received

What were the key priorities for the top 5 themes?

A number of key priorities were identified for each theme and the below highlights those from the top five:

1

Health and Active Living

This theme includes feedback related to social connection, feelings of support and security: respectful relationships, prevention of family violence, positive ageing, health and food security, as well as council services, facilities and activities.

4 Sustainable Initiatives and Development This theme includes feedback related to sustainability initiatives, climate change and renewable energy, and personal impacts on the environment such as recycling.

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

2 Diversity and Inclusion This theme includes feedback about accessing Council services and facilities, cultural heritage, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders recognition and activities that celebrate our diversity.

3 Attractive and Vibrant This theme includes feedback about living in a community and neighbourhood. It includes housing, access to services, facilities and entertainment; moving in and around the community; and positive reputation.

Comments from the community “Kids activities for under 5s and the kids’ school holiday program are fantastic. We would like the library to run more kinds of programs.”

“Less time on devices, some more playgrounds so I can play.”

“My biggest worry is the future and current climate adversities we will face. We need to spend great focus and money on localising our food source via open space, community gardens that are accessible to all. Not only will we secure a food source but great community connections will be made.”

“More support for people near or at risk of homelessness.”

“We need to face reality and increase knowledge about it.”

“If we leave our cultures disconnected and don’t celebrate we won’t understand each other; the next generation won’t maintain a peaceful coexistence.”

“Encourage voluntary work by mixing volunteering with fun for kids and young adults.”

“A more strategic look at what it was about the pre-COVID-19 community that is not where we wish to return.”

“Working with the environment in mind to ensure that tomorrow is possible for us to live in.”

5 Natural Environment This theme includes feedback relating to creating, sustaining and managing the natural environment, natural parks and gardens and Council’s protection of native flora and fauna.

To keep up to date with the project and read more about what the community has said visit greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/council-plan-2021-25

Community Calendar

Council News

Ice Skating Adventure in Springvale Have you heard? Springvale Snow Fest is just around the corner!

The super cool, award-winning winter event is finally back but not like we have seen before.

ENJOY SPRINGVALE IN WINTER

This year the event will take place from 1 to 10 July and offer some new, fun ways to enjoy Springvale in winter. Be ready in your warmest clothes to go ice skating in the middle of Springvale. And of course, what trip to Springvale is complete without eating some delicious food around the Springvale Shopping Precinct?

Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/snowfest to see what this year’s exciting program has to offer and for more information.

Dog park upgrade a hit with furry friends Council hosted an official re-opening of the updated and expanded Tirhatuan Park’s Dog off leash area in April 21 with Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio – Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes and Hon. Gabrielle Williams – Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Women, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in attendance.

…exercise is vital for the wellness of pets

Located in Kriegal Way, Dandenong North, the expanded dog park now has a separate fenced area for small dogs as well as a larger off leash area that caters for all dogs and has a range of interesting and challenging activities.

Mayor Angela Long said getting the proper amount of exercise is vital for the wellness of pets, and applauded the efforts of all involved in the important upgrade.

“For people with more active breeds, taking them on a quick walk up and down the street may not be enough to release their pent-up energy. This fantastic updated park will give your fur friends the opportunity to run faster and play with other pets.”

The dog off leash upgrades will provide ongoing benefits to the community as well as advocate for the importance of exercising and socialising dogs.

Some of the improvements include: ► A

dog agility equipment zone

► A

custom-built rock mound and rock bed with nature play including timber logs for dogs to explore and enjoy a textural, sensory experience

► A

circuit gravel path, drinking fountains that also cater for dogs as well as landscaping with trees.

Victorian Government funding supported this project through the Off-leash Dog Parks – Economic Stimulus Program.

Visit greaterdandenong.vic. gov.au/animals to read more about off-leash areas.

► An

active area for dogs, new shelters and seating

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

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12 Council News EXCEPTIO NAL EVENTS

A Taste of Ireland Special Encore Event: Thursday 24 June, 10.30am–11.45am Official Performance: Thursday 24 June, 7.30pm – 9.25pm Hot off its premiere New York City run in 2020 and with over 120 shows in 2019 across Australia and New Zealand, A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music and Dance Sensation finally returns down under.

With revamped classics like Danny Boy and Tell Me Ma, the show’s live, energetic blend of well-known tunes, jaw- dropping acapella tap battles, world-class dancing, melodic folk music mash-ups and craic galore transports you through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history, complimented by stunning production and lighting.

Something for everyone at Drum

Starring dancers from the West End’s Lord of the Dance, Riverdance and Gaelforce Dance alongside a treasure trove of Irish Dancing World Champions, A Taste of Ireland delivers the very best talent in the nation.

I Have a Face – Jude Perl

Taylor Henderson, The A-Team Tour

Friday 11 June, 8pm–10pm A laugh-out-loud hilarious and honest cabaret deep-dive look at ourselves, our labels and how we cope; or not!

Life didn’t come with a label, but you will be told your whole life how you should behave or who you should be. You will be told that if you have a problem, there’s a quick fix you can buy... but somehow the problem doesn’t ever seem to really go away.

We have the wonderful and local Margot Tanjutco providing a fabulous set of musical comedy before Jude’s show.

Note: Recommended for 15+. This performance contains occasional coarse language, mild sexual references, very mild drug references, and themes relating to mental health (anxiety/depression).

Saturday 26 June, 8pm–10pm Taylor Henderson takes “The A-Team” on tour.

Our Beat

A special two-hour concert in two sets – Mine, His and Inspirations.

Thursday 17 June, 6.30pm

A powerful and emotive performance of his multi-platinum selling hits ‘When You Were Mine’, ‘Borrow My Heart’ and ‘Already Gone’.

Our Beat is a monthly open stage night that brings together musicians, artists, actors, comedians, dancers and the community. This is more than a gig – it’s a chance to connect with like-minded people, meet local talent and even take the stage yourself. It’s a free event for all people and all art forms.

The Drum is a home for local artists and supports them to create new work and networks and to realise their aspirations. Previous Our Beat sessions gave us spoken word, dancehall, DJs, freestyle hip-hop, some stripped back neo-soul and featured works from local graphic artists.

Hosted by Mr. Congo, each monthly installment is a unique experience created by everyone there, whether you’re on the stage or in the audience.

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

Taylor Henderson will also perform his handpicked favourites from one of his biggest influences, Ed Sheeran.

Community Calendar

Drum Theatre Season Two (June– December) Launch Experiencing the arts is important to individual and community wellbeing and provides a way for us to look at subjects that can be difficult to discuss. This season you will see young people expressing how their lives during the pandemic has impacted them, with humour and insight.

We will also take a look into the experience of homelessness, hear some amazingly uplifting music and be enthralled by spectacular circus.

Love in the Time of Corona that will be performed 2 and 3 July is an innovative, exciting youth performance about the world of young people during the pandemic. It highlights the clash of cultures and identities while reflecting on the fragility of human emotion and our interconnectedness, through social media and technology. Love in the Time of Corona has been locally written and the cast are all from the local area.

We are excited to bring you some exceptional events, experiences and entertainment later in the year.

From Isaiah’s Spirit and Beyond Tour, Victorian State ballet and Magic Beach to a series of Encore Programs for the seniors, we have something for everyone to enjoy. Visit the website or join our eNewsletter to be the first to know all the upcoming programs.

Visit drum.greaterdandenong. vic.gov.au for more information or phone the Box Office on 8571 1666 for bookings.

Council News

Arts in Greater Dandenong Hemmings Street public art

Zakiria Tahirian, Untitled, ink on paper

Invisibility Thursday 3 June – Friday 26 June 2021 Walker Street Gallery Zakiria Tahirian Every community has invisible problems. This series of work is about refugees who have left everything behind and come to Australia, seeking a safe and peaceful place.

All they want is safety, but there are many hidden feelings that aren’t being shared more widely with society. Many are struggling with memories and finding the right place to share their stories.

This exhibition will use both coloured and invisible ink to uncover the feelings that many refugees grapple with, but are unable to find a place to express.

Callum Jackson, Untitled (Journal Entry), Watercolour Paint and Biro on Paper 2020

Gone to Carolina in my mind Thursday 3 June – Friday 26 June 2021 Walker Street Gallery Callum Jackson Callum Jackson’s exhibition, Gone to Carolina in my mind, is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This exhibition conveys optimism and hope during such an uncertain time through printmaking, drawing, painting and photography. The exhibition focuses on an individual’s productive and constructive use of time, even when faced with pandemic.

Students from Dandenong West Primary School have been working with renowned artist Beci Orpin to develop world-quality public art for the Hemmings Street Precinct, a small shopping strip in Dandenong.

Beci tasked the students with creating pet rocks and pebble creatures. The finished works were then photographed and sent to Beci, who transformed the creatures into the fabulous mural, totems and sculptural pieces.

The bright, bold colours have changed the once retro shopping strip into a funky cultural hub, rivalling an inner-city laneway. The totems will welcome visitors and the combined effect of the artworks give a strong sense of community pride and one of supportive, village living.

For more information on arts and culture in Greater Dandenong visit greater dandenong.vic.gov.au/arts

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

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14 Council News

Business

Council facilities for hire Council has a range of facilities available for businesses and members of the public to hire for meetings and events.

The Castle The Castle is a versatile and fabulous venue full of character and is perfect for dinner dances, concerts, parties, special events, community programs and conferences.

The venue’s open plan space includes a large balcony overlooking the Main Hall and Stage. There is also a separate break out room with a small stage adjoining the kitchen. The Castle is equipped with stage lighting, sound equipment, projector and screen.

Fotheringham Reserve Hall Hire of the Fotheringham Reserve Hall includes exclusive use of the entire venue, including the main room, separate small meeting/counselling room and facilities such as tennis courts.

For further information or to book an appointment to view our facilities, please visit our website, email bookings@cgd.vic.gov.au or call 8571 5340

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

Making Springvale even more sensational Construction commenced last month to transform Springvale Boulevard into a vibrant and iconic gateway to Springvale where people can shop, relax and connect.

MACA Infrastructure has been awarded the construction contract for the project, which involves a full streetscape upgrade of the road and footpaths located on Springvale Road between Balmoral Avenue and Windsor Avenue.

Mayor Angela Long said the project will be an asset for Greater Dandenong and provide many benefits to the community and local businesses.

“This project will deliver on the community’s aspirations for the area, including improved pedestrian movement and safety, enhanced shopping and dining experiences, new opportunities for people to connect and relax, and opportunities for community celebrations,” Cr Long said.

The boulevard will feature widened footpaths, new garden beds and trees for year-round shade, more seating, improved street lighting, and highquality, thought-provoking design elements that reflect the diverse cultures of Springvale.

“Together with the recently completed Springvale Community Hub, Springvale Boulevard will enhance the future prosperity of Springvale Activity Centre as a leading cultural destination of Melbourne,” Cr Long said.

As a complex and major construction project spanning approximately 12 months, local impacts will include traffic management for pedestrian and motorist safety, noise, dust and other activities.

Construction is expected to be completed by mid 2022.

Community Calendar Community

Council News

Emerging COVID-19 vaccinations Writers’ Festival in the south-east Dandenong Library and Springvale Library 17 & 24 June

Now in its 18th year, the Emerging Writers’ Festival is coming to Greater Dandenong. Celebrate the richness of your local community by exploring EWF’s library event offerings. Each year, the festival brings writers, editors, publishers and literary performers together with the community for an essential part of Australia’s literary calendar. The festival develops, nurtures and promotes Australia’s new writing talent, creating platforms for connecting writing communities and their audiences.

Featuring two workshops and a spoken word performance, these fantastic free activities are not to be missed.

Vaccination is an important step to protecting the community from COVID-19 and getting back to the way of life we know and love.

Cranbourne Turf Club and Sandown Racecourse opened vaccination centres in May. To avoid delays or disappointment, bookings are recommended.

Walk-ins are accepted between 9am and 3pm daily and wait times vary.

To book an appointment at a clinic, please call 1800 675 398 and select option 1, then option 1 and then option 1.

Current guidelines are used to administer the most appropriate vaccine.

To check your eligibility for the vaccine, visit the Australian Government eligibility calculator at covid-vaccine.healthdirect. gov.au/eligibility Information changes rapidly as the roll-out continues, therefore the community is encouraged to check online for updates.

For local information related to the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit Monash Health’s South East Public Health Unit website at sephu.org/covid-vaccination/

Jasna Dolic with Adam Liew

Sam van Zweden

INVITED AS A SPECIA L GUEST

Alice Bishop

Penny Smits

All events are free and booking is essential at greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/ emerging-writers-festival

Jasna Dolic (Yassna) is a long time Greater Dandenong resident and was recently invited as a special guest on SBS TV show The Cook Up with Adam Liew.

“I am proud to say that I was the only Victorian guest flying to Sydney to join other Sydney based participants. This was an amazing experience.”

Jasna hopes her story will inspire many Greater Dandenong residents and refugees in particular to follow their passion and put themselves out there. Jasna’s dream is to continue encouraging and working with refugee and multicultural communities in Australia and internationally.

www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au

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